US threat to strike Syria over bombing of Ghouta

Haley reminded the UN of previous US airstrikesSpencer Platt/Getty Images

The United States has threatened to carry out unilateral attacks on Syria if President Assad continues to bombard the rebel pocket of eastern Ghouta.

Nikki Haley, the US ambassador to the United Nations, said that Russia had not kept the commitment it made when it agreed a ceasefire over Syria last month.

She reminded the UN security council that last April President Trump ordered airstrikes in response to a chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime on the town of Khan Sheikhoun. “The security council failed to act,” she said. “The United States struck the airbase from which Assad had launched his chemical attack. We repeat this warning.

“We also warn any nation determined to impose its will through chemical attacks and inhuman suffering, most…